Watch Aruvi

Aruvi is an Indian Tamil-language social drama film directed by Arun Prabhu Purushothaman. It was released in 2016, and stars Aditi Balan and Anjali Varadhan in lead roles. The film received widespread critical acclaim for its honest portrayal of several social issues, including corporate greed, artificial beauty standards, and the treatment of women in society.

The film follows the story of Aruvi (Aditi Balan), a young woman who is accused of being a terrorist after a bomb explodes in a public place. As the police and media investigate the incident, they gradually uncover the truth behind Aruvi's life and actions. Through a series of flashbacks, we see how Aruvi was abandoned by her parents at a young age and struggled to survive on her own. Despite facing numerous hardships, Aruvi remained optimistic and kind-hearted, always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need.

As Aruvi's story unfolds, it becomes clear that she has been subject to various forms of oppression throughout her life. She has been shunned by society for not conforming to traditional gender roles, and has also been objectified and abused by men. Moreover, her struggles are exacerbated by the high-pressure beauty standards perpetuated by the media and the cosmetic industry.

Despite these challenges, Aruvi remains determined to live life on her own terms. She befriends a group of outcasts who help her navigate the harsh realities of the world, and also becomes involved in activism against corporate greed. However, her life takes a dark turn when she is kidnapped and subjected to brutal torture by a group of men.

Throughout the film, Aruvi's experiences are juxtaposed with the hypocrisy of those around her. The media sensationalizes her story for ratings, politicians use her as a pawn for their own agendas, and even her own family members abandon her when she needs them the most.

Despite the heavy subject matter, Aruvi is a film that ultimately celebrates the resilience of the human spirit. Aditi Balan delivers a powerful performance as Aruvi, capturing both her vulnerability and her strength. Anjali Varadhan also shines as Jessy, one of Aruvi's close friends who provides a much-needed support system.

The film's cinematography and editing are also noteworthy, with several scenes making use of inventive camerawork and non-linear storytelling. The soundtrack, composed by Bindhu Malini and Vedanth Bharadwaj, adds to the film's emotional impact.

Overall, Aruvi is a film that is both thought-provoking and emotionally engaging. Its themes of oppression, resilience, and activism are as relevant today as they were when the film was first released. For anyone interested in socially conscious cinema, Aruvi is a must-watch.